Helpful Tips to Make the Holidays Safer for Your Pets

Helpful Tips to Make the Holidays Safer for Your Pets

As Christmas approaches and we began decorating and planning gatherings with friends and family, here are a few tips to help keep your pet safe during the holiday season:

  • Securely anchor your Christmas tree.  A falling tree can possibly injure your pet.  Also, if the tree is properly secured this will prevent your pet from drinking split tree water which could cause an upset stomach due to toxins that may seep into the tree water from fertilizers.  Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria and could cause diarrhea or an upset stomach if your pet drinks it.
  • Avoid using tinsel for decorating. Cats love the light-catching “toy” and will try to bat it with their paw and carry it around in their mouth.  If they swallow the tinsel it could obstruct their digestive tract and lead to severe vomiting, dehydration and possibly even surgery.
  • Forget the mistletoe and holly.  Many decorative holiday plants are toxic to our pets when eaten.  Holly can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.  Mistletoe causes gastrointestinal upset and can cause heart problems.  If a cat eats a lily (many different varieties) it can cause kidney failure.  Mild gastrointestinal irritation can be caused by eating poinsettias.  To protect your pet it is best to choose artificial plants or choose a pet-safe bouquet.
  • Keep wire, batteries and ornaments out of paws’ reach.  A wire can deliver a lethal electrical shock and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus.  Breakable ornaments can be ingested by your pet and cause damage to their mouth and other areas of the GI tract if swallowed.
  • Don’t leave burning candles unattended.  Fires have been started by pets knocking over candles and pets have been severely burned.  Be sure to place them on a stable surface and blow the candle out if you leave the room.
  • Stuff the pet’s stockings with toys that are safe.  Dogs have been known to tear their toys apart and pieces can become lodged in the esophagus, stomach or intestines.  Choose toys that are indestructible or treats that are safely digestible.  Long stringy toys are a cat’s dream, but are very risky toys for cats because they often swallow them.  Instead choose a cat toy such as a ball that is too big to swallow.
  • Keep your pets away from human food and candies.  Chocolate and anything sweetened with xylitol can be toxic to our pets.  Many other table foods can cause our dogs to have an upset stomach.  Bones can penetrate their intestines and lead to them needing surgery.  Make sure to not leave food unattended and secure the lids on garbage cans.
  • Don’t leave adult holiday beverages unattended.  If your pet ingests an alcoholic beverage it could become weak, ill and possibly even slip into a coma which could lead to death from respiratory failure.
  • Make sure and keep medications out of reach.  Inform any guest to keep their medications zipped up and off the counters to prevent accidental ingestion from a pet.
  • Give your pet its own space to retreat.  Company can be very stressful for shy pets.  Offer your pet an area such as the laundry room or spare bedroom.  Be sure to put a cozy bed and fresh water in the room.

By following these tips the risk to your pet will be less; however, if your pet becomes sick or injured contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.